flashman181

Had the late afternoon visit to Alcatraz planned for later in the day what to do in the morning fog? KKK inspired me. Kimmy, Kayne and Kill me now. Please. If I thought US TV was abysmal last week they have exceeded themselves last couple of days with that deplorable circus. But it did inspire me at least to visit AT&T park which once again is rather impressive. And as luck would have it it was within walking distance of two more DH sites – Hall of Justice and the ” Go Ahead Make My Day Burger King cum later day Maccas” from Sudden Impact. Even had a very decent coffee at Cafe Roma across from Hall of justice. Seemed like a safe place with all the cops around. Certainly an interesting mix of people coming down the stairs from my street window view. Well dressed lawyers, less well dressed “defendants” and of course cops up to the ying yang. And the line up of double parked B&W cruisers. And on way back to unit, time to get up close and personal with the Transamerica building

So as 3pm approached the mist suddenly lifted and a stunning afternoon and sunset followed, that sadly my camera cannot do justice to. It was crowded tour but all worked smoothly. The cell block audio tour was very good and the rest of time was spent gazing across the blue blue yonder to the bridge or the city. Simply glorious weather. Heading back after 6:30 pm gave first real glimpse of the city lights and they were spectacular

So think just about touristed out with 2 days to go. I have mingled enough with the great unwashed to last several months . Maybe a trip to Golden Gate park and scan some architectural delights over next 2 days

I believe all Aussie meteorologists should spend 2 weeks a year in San Francisco to get their confidence back. You can’t get it wrong clowns. There will be Fog tomorrow. Now today was the Electric Bike ride across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausolito and take the ferry back. But first an Irish Coffee pick me up at Buena Vista Cafe. Same company as the Segway and once again a small group of 4. Knobber Knobber. So whoever invented the wheel was a half- assed clown because he should not have stopped before making the electric bike as well. They are sweet man! Nothing better than shooting past the spandex warriors going uphill while drinking a frappe, texting and chewing gum. Now these guides are not only knowledgeable but also friendly of course. My guy wanted to bond as the other two were a couple so he said “You remind me of the TV Doctor House MD, but not the personality of course ” I replied ” Its still early pal, why don’t you shut your pie-hole and get us out of this fog”

So in relative quiet we headed in general direction of GG but first a stop at Palace of Fine Art. A couple of tourists mistook me for Sean Connery returning to the scene so I gave them a couple of autographs just to get them out of my photo! As we approached GG the fog was slowly rising but never going to be clear. We stopped at the nominated “photo spots” before heading up to and across the bridge. I am no fan of heights these days so the mid bridge stop was a tad unsettling. Of course by time we got across the sun was out but you turn around and the bridge is still covered in mist – and oddly enough a couple of apes. We then headed down towards Sausalito for a brief stop and a horrible coffee before catching the Ferry back. It was a beautiful day for a trip on the water and once again the tour turned into a very enjoyable treat.

Back on dry land I was finally able to shake loose my guide by promising him I would indeed friend him on Facebook. Time for a quick lunch at In n Out Burger – sounded like my life goal. It was like Maccas only unhealthy. So walking back and checking phone when the bloody Bushman got me 👏. Back home for a slight rest and then headed out for a couple of cable rides before ending at Sotto Mare Oysteria for an early dinner. Thought I would try the Tour Guide approach so said to the waitress ” I’m here all week. I’ll try the Veal” With a straight face she said “we are a seafood restaurant”. I had crab. Should I be concerned the chef walked past with a big can labelled “Dungeoness Crab”. The Fawlty Towers line came to mind but I kept drinking my Peroni. Anyhoo it was fine and the actual restaurant has a great atmosphere.

Alcatraz tomorrow afternoon but what to do in the fog in the morning? Count my loose change? May not be finished by 11:00….

Now San Fran is not suited to morning people, which I am. Champing at the bit to hit the ground early but no point even thinking about it before 08:30 and even then you need a flashlight and a bell to move around. So thought I would spend the foggy 2 hours AM catching public transport to City Hall for another iconic Dirty Harry site. Ok Google maps is about as useful as the American Good Coffee guide but there some brilliant apps available . In Chicago it was the CTA one, here it is 511.org. Simply brilliant for getting a round and knowing when next bus/train due. So headed off to Union square and then on a bus the the City Hall precinct – impressive building even in the mist and inside is tres spectacular. Then as the fog started to lift thought I would search some Bullitt sites which were on way back home anyway. There was Mark Hopkins, Grace Cathedral, Franks flat and even his grocery store all in close proximity. By the ends of this week I will also have travelled a lot of the streets of the famous car chase but as it was shot in seveRal areas it is not a continuous path to follow.

It was time to play Karl Malden after lunch, only a less handsome version of course, and walk the streets of San Francisco .I generally planned to wander down around pier 39 but as the cable car was delayed started walking up a couple of hills near Vallejo st and while almost in cardiac arrest the view was worth it. Got to top and there were two homies drinking a beer and having a joint . Once they knew I was from Crocodile Dundee territory they even offered me a toke – which I declined. But we had a great chat while pulse returned to its stead baseline of 130. Back down dale to Filbert Street and there in the distance was Coit tower beckoning like a temptress. It looked close enough, maybe because it was about 70 degree incline at the end. What the hell, so off I set. By now all fog had gone and the sky was a brilliant blue. The climb was worth it for the view then went down other side using the famous Filbert steps. It was a very pleasant day for a walk once on flat ground so took my time wandering back to Fishermans wharf via the various Piers. Pier 39 is a tourist haven and the sea lions were rather amazing. As always Alcatraz loomed in the distance. A couple of mod souvenirs and then back on the cable car home.

Tomorrow it’s off on a bike ride across Golden Gate Bridge. Hope I get one with a seat

The first day dawned and things were looking better. The weather forecast was good but of course at 08:00 in morning there is still mist/fog/cloud but I caught my first cable car and headed down to Fishermans wharf. It was too early to see too much but did have a coffee and bagel at Boudins and then in keeping with carefree attitude – hey it’s almost 09:00 lets see if any free spots on Segway tour over there. Well what do you know. So off I headed and it was great. Fun guide as always and a small group. Clear skies would have been perfect but still had a ball going up and down hills. Did a few spots of Dirty Harry film locations and then up to Coit Tower before heading back down towards the water. Even got to see The Bushman perform .By the time we got out to Hyde Park pier it was a booteeful clear day and could see Alcatraz clearly. GG bridge of course was still largely shrouded in mist. Great way to see San Francisco and have now done Segways in 3 different cities. Dropped back for a break at lunchtime and then will head back down to Fishermans wharf this afternoon just for a wander and to pick up some dinner. Very tourist heavy down there . So, initial reservations about SF have passed and look forward to the next few days with renewed vigour.

So we come to the midway point and the largely wasted day. A good nights sleep for a change and woke to a another glorious day in Chicago so thought I would head into town and burn some more Ventra credit which was useless after today. My foodie guide yesterday assured me Intelligentsia Coffee was good and there was a store near Millenium park. So one more ride on the 151 to Sheridan and then let Google Maps guide me. Ok one street was shut down for shooting a film or commercial and the cops were not messing around. I have had my fair share of trouble with google maps this trip and today was no different. Apparently there is a “Pedway” I needed to access but damned if I could find it. So basically a wasted hour and back home for my usual cereal and crumpet breakfast! Most of the packing already done I naturally allowed myself plenty of time to get to airport and left before 10:30 for a 14:00 flight. The cab ride was fine with some heavy traffic at times. Then I remembered you had to pay to check in luggage within USA. The security check line up was long and slow but at end of day got to lounge K19 at midday with 2 hrs to fill in. Stopped in the very noice Bubbles (just for CLP) and in some mad fit of health mania went for the rather bland shrimp salad to accompany my Sav Blanc. Why I passed on the meat and cheese platter may stay with me until my grave – which hopefully now may be a few weeks later. So I sit and wait. Had to delete my kindle app so I could download again to get 30 mins free wifi😄

At this stage flight is on time. The worst thing about flying solo is having to take your carry on luggage everywhere with you – including the urinal! So there is just the wait and the rather spartan 4:30 flight. Left knee is really giving me hell at present so 4:30 of sitting in bent position could be problematic. It’s a bitch getting old. No longer will I be Chillin in Chicago – but let’s face it I will be cool wherever I am

Especially with my Cowbell T shirt

Those two Sundays I went to church back in the 70s was really paying off this holiday. The day dawned clear and booteeful and I headed back to Wrigley Field for my 09:00 tour. Had debated between 09:00 and 10:00 tour but figured I didn’t need any more beauty sleep ! As luck would have it, and divine intervention not withstanding, it was a good call as the clouds rolled in at around 09:30. Now Wrigley Field does draw one back as it sticks in your memory. Wrigley. Gum. Sticks. Get it? I’m here all week, try the Pizza. It was a very informative tour and there is a fascinating history to it all and who knew they played NFL, ice hockey and rock concerts here as well. I do. Now. CLP and I were lucky enough to see Fenway Park a couple of years ago ( yes I am a name dropper) which along with WF are the two oldest ballparks in the country. So the oldest tourist in USA was standing in the oldest ballpark – spooky, and it ain’t even Halloween yet. Got to see change room and dugout etc. the ground was being relaid at the time but no big deal. As you get older you do need to get relaid occasionally. So of course got sucked in for the $30 photo souvenir because damn I looked good. So back to the B&B for some R&R and then I broke my cardinal rule – and i wasn’t even in St. Louis. I stopped at a cafe for a take away coffee. Crap.

The ventra card was working a treat so thought I would load another 10 sawbucks on it and use the buses a bit more. Decided to head back to Navy Pier as didn’t really do it justice first time round and figured Friday must be better than Saturday. Ok it was crowded – bloody tourists again. By now I was over the tourist thing and the last 36 hrs would be spent eating and drinking. Easier said than done at lunchtime on a Friday . Bubba Gimps and Harry Carays were packed to the rafters ( alas without a hot Rebecca Gibney) and 20 minute wait for table. So I grabbed a hot dog instead but did hang around for a beer at HCs. And got a couple more souvenirs but sadly no ” Holy Cow ” bobble head available. There were some impressive memorabilia though. He must be like our Bruce McAvaney only straight. Will head out again later this afternoon after doing some research on nearby bars. By research I mean find the closest.

Ok so looks like the clowns changed the feathers in their darts and lucked out an accurate forecast. Cold and wet. Sounds like my PJ bottoms in the morning. Now I had a couple more sites on the wish list – Lincoln park Zoo and another Sports venue. Now this was not zoo weather and the United Centre looked a like a cut lunch and a hip replacement away so settled on Soldier Field in the museum campus – home of the Bears. This was still going to involve a sizable trek but I was not deterred , consider it my little Kokoda track trek. No point packing all weather gear if not prepared to try it out so off I headed all rugged up for what ever Mother Nature could throw at me. Damn she is one bitch! A short bus stop set a false comfort level but I had done a little map night before but of course forgot it when leaving. No sweat I had google maps . Walk for a couple of k and head E on West Roosevelt. No problem. Now I was starting to get into some shady parts of town that I would not come back to at night. Well it is the NFL, they probably have it out in the fans neighbourhood 😄. On a positive note I can now add ” best bridges to sleep under ” to my google maps! It was still raining annoyingly so had another look at map. Odd that it is near Field museum because I saw that from Millenium Park? Hey, let’s turn map up other way. Fuck!.Ok I need to head west on W Roosevelt until I hit E Roosevelt. Is that a bus coming, sweet. So catch the No 12 heading towards E Roosevelt. Now this was a crowded bus and not suprised because I would want to get away from here too. And there were no loose track suits to be found if ya get my drift. It was amusing the way the sistas announced well in advance they were getting off next stop. I wasn’t going to stop them. Hell some of them could have made the Bears defensive line! So off one bus , wait 20 minutes and then hop on another and finally at Soldier Field – and it only took 2 hrs. So maybe not quite Kokoda like but there were plenty of fuzzy wuzzys let me tell ya. The stadium itself is very impressive and looks suitably gladiatorial. Within the museum campus is also Field museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler planetarium – all well worth a visit I am sure but not today for this little black duck. Especially a duck that hates the wet.

So it was a miserable day but felt I had achieved something. I hadn’t been mugged! May be time for a hot bath methinks. Hope weather improves tomorrow as have Wrigley Field tour booked and maybe that trip to the zoo. Still feel I have not done the Chicago Cuisine trail at all but that may have to wait for next trip.

EDIT : Ok so weather cleared in afternoon and headed out to Cultural Centre, got some souvenirs and even dropped in for a beer or 23 at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse on way home. Sadly I relied on the one geriatric with Parkinson’s in the establishment to take the once in a lifetime photo.😫 Stumbling along the Magnificent Mile, a rather salubrious area, on way home was surprised to see 3 fully armed cops on every second corner. Has Al Capone reappeared?

I do love the good old USA and hope to come back again but of course that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It’s not Queensland after all. Some thoughts

Airlines. Not talking about value for money here as all lumped in one price and am sure you get what you pay for. While Qantas planes are showing their age on board service is still both plentiful and good. Now AA is a different experience. Welcome to Standby and Upgrade screens. Also ” As we have a full flight today we do not have room for all carry on luggage. Can some people please check their luggage through now ?” Ok, is this not akin to not have enough life rafts on the boat because you know we are very rarely full! Also here is a tip – how about you enforce the fucking hand luggage limits. Fair dinkum some people wheel on hand luggage bigger than a Walter White barrel. Now on board the free refreshments are limited to a diet Dr Pepper and you can pay for the rest. However the economy seats are more comfortable and have more room than Qantas

Food. Big portions of course but I am a bit confused by the service model. There seems no clear guidelines often as to where you stand , how you order, how you get beverages etc. it’s not quite Soup Nazi but not too far off. Paint a couple of signs fellas for the tourists and then you won’t have to explain everything. There are plenty of healthy alternatives and most menus have caloric load etc. – like anyone cares about that here.

Transport. Very good really. Using the Ventra card which works on buses and trains. Have not met a subway system I didn’t like really. Drivers still love using a horn I notice. The pedestrians are really just as bad though as more often than not walk across even on a red hand.

Taxes. Help. The land of the Free – and the hidden tax. Just round up and give us the total will ya. Sick to death of all the small change because everything now costs $x:18c ! If it is $6.50 and you want to load tax on at least round up to $7:20. Fark.

People. Generally very friendly and helpful. But please, why is it everyone outside of Qld has to continually warn us about the cold weather so that we dress up like Nanook of the North and find ourselves 30 miles from home carrying a bloody gortex parka. It’s really only wind chill. Get out of the wind and the temp jumps 10 degrees. I reckon I will go through 3 zippers over here opening and closing jackets. Normally that only happens with my pants….

I find it hard to get comfortable at night temperature wise. You go to bed nice and rugged up at 20:00 hrs of course. Then during the night the owner switches on the internal heating and you wake up sweating and kick the Doona off. Slowly get back to sleep and then wake up at 04:00 with double pneumonia. Leave the heating off fellas – when it comes to the bedroom I have the situation in hand ok!

So not quite half the holiday over and having a ball. Will definitely have to come back with the CLP to enjoy more of the restaurant and night life.

And still not quite sure about that washing machine. I think it shrunk my pants. They certainly feel tighter.

So it would appear that the US meteorologists attended same clown school ours did. Despite forecast of blizzards and tornados I was going to venture out regardless to complete the Solo Male Traveller Holy Trinity

1. Catch a bus
2. Catch a train
3. Use the washing machine

Had noted the clothes piling up in the corner and thought CLP was being a bit slack then the penny, or dime, dropped. Luckily I was able to use 8 of those little useless metal objects the folk behind the counter keep giving me to not only wash but dry the clothes. Technology eh.

Then it was time to catch first subway out to Wrigley Field. Not a game day and a bit early so it was deadsville, just the way I like it. No bloody tourists around! May go back for tour on Friday as is easy trip out and back. Then stayed on train a bit longer coming back – ok missed my stop 😄- and ended up in the Loop. First time for everything I guess after years working for PQ! First up navigated my way to Chicago Theatre looking for Celtic Thunder tickets on the cheap. Alas they still wanted $1 for them so just took a picture of the sign and moved on. Actually found a very noice coffee on my way which will save for later trips. Don’t want to post address here or else those bloody tourists will descend again. Also visited the Vietnam War Memorial adjacent to the city Riverwalk.I did not do justice to Millenium Park on first visit so wandered back in general direction and very pleased I did. Some amazing sculptures , the MWC fountain yada yada yada. Then discovered the Art Institute and thought it was time for some cultcha . Hello???? It isn’t free? Listen, CLP will drag me through another 12 galleries next year in Gay Paris , I’ll pass thanks. Similarly walked up to and past the Field museum. There comes a time in life when you realise you know everything there is to know and can’t afford to waste brain cells acquiring new info. By now the ankle and tootsies were screaming for a rest so pillowed and looked for nearest Red Line subway and headed home. Stopped off for lunch at my fave place near home for a small Chicken Carbonara and of course picked up my salad for dinner

So after 3 full days I have ticked most of the boxes of the must see, though by no means all. The next 3 days will be spent at a more leisurely pace letting the city flow over me and sampling more drink, food and drink. After all I am concerned I may be fading away with all this walking…..

The weather forecast was gloomy so seemed the best day to visit Union Station. Have been very lucky so far – almost Untouchable? – so headed out under gray skies for first experience of public transport. I had 12 apps that only served to confuse me but when the first bus coming along had “Union Station” on it I took a punt. Now I may have got there quicker walking but at least arrived fresh as a daisy. The staircase is tres spectacular as is the whole station “lobby” – and surprisingly free of people. So requisite photos taken and back out on the street with no real plan. A quick wander across a couple of streets to What U Talking About Wilis Tower. No need to go to Skydeck after yesterday so just started wandering up S Clark street when I recalled the meeting place for the planned Untouchables Tour later in week was 600 N Clark at the Rock n Roll Maccas. Hmm. Ring ring, any spots left on 1100 tour. Only 1 and it’s first come first serve. Now it is 10:20 and Google maps is saying 25 minute walk. Factor in 5 mins for busted ankle and tack on the Solo Male Navigation handicap of another 5 minutes and it will be tight. Now this would normally give me the vapours – right CLP 😄But this is Casual Carefree Chicago Flashman so off I headed. Made it with 5 mins to spare to be told all depends if everyone shows up yada yada yada and there were 2 couples in front of me. The key word there was couples. We were waiting on a party of 20 Danes. Great! Ok 17 turned up which left room for one couple and me! So on a crowded bus off we headed only to see 3 Danes running after the bus. You snooze You lose. Bloody foreigners eh. So the tour guides were great fun and it was very informative. Sadly rather useless for camera buffs as you never leave the bus and some of the sights such as St valentines Massacre no longer exist. But this did not detract from the tour at all – just can’t share much with my devoted followers. Certainly recommend the tour. So after almost 2 hours on the bus I was happy to walk home the 25 minutes if took. Stopped in at Potbelly sandwiches on way back for the A Wreck special and happy to report it worked ! Just turning the key in the door when the rain starts. I kinda hope it continues to rain and even the storms come through. I could do with the rest – Chicago is the kinda city that keeps drawing you back out.

Plus I really need to get back to Candy Crush – that level 183 is a bitch